Chapter 116: Will you marry me?

Ash slowly blinked awake, the morning light filtering softly through the curtains. As his eyes adjusted to the soft glow, the first thing he saw was Elijah's face, peaceful and relaxed in sleep. 

A small smile tugged at his lips as he took in the sight of the man he loved more than anything in the world. Elijah's features were softened in sleep, his dark lashes fanned across his cheeks, his lips slightly parted as he breathed evenly. Ash felt a warmth spread through his chest, a happiness so pure and profound that it was almost overwhelming.

For a moment, he simply lay there, absorbing the quiet beauty of the morning and the man beside him. Everything felt right. The storm that had once raged in their lives had passed, leaving behind a calm, a serenity that Ash had never thought possible. 

They had been through so much—pain, misunderstandings, longing—but here they were, together, stronger than ever. It felt like a dream, one that Ash never wanted to end.